Orange County, CA

[ArtF]

@Jim Slatin

we went to Park Avenue with another couple and brought one special bottle. We were told by the hostess that it wasn’t allowed and that she could hold the bottle for us. It was as if they didn’t trust the customer to even keep it in hand. Even after telling them that we were going to order a white and another red we saw on the wine list, they still didn’t let us open the special wine for my friends b-day. I can understand a limit on bottles or laughing at those that bring in grocery store wines, but I think it’s a big mistake to not allow people to bring in a special bottle for a special occasion, especially when we explained we were going to order 2 more bottles from the list. When so many good places allow BYOB in Orange county, it’s a mistake in my opinion. I have already heard from 3 other friends that will not go back for this reason.

We went (six people total) with many bottles. My friend forgot to inquire. They refused to allow us to open any bottles (which were high end). We left and went to 555 Ocean Blvd. in Long Beach for a great dinner at no corkage. Park Ave. lost a $700 bill. They sure are smart?

Paul

555 Ocean Boulevard Steakhouse still going strong. Best meal I had in Long Beach. Zero corkage or attitude.

Cafe Giselle - Belmont Shore, $20. Very small, N. Italian. Been there many times over the years. Menu never changes. Food is consistently good.
Also enjoyed the S. Italian and very good pizza at Buona Gente, across the street on 2nd. But did not ask about byo.

George’s Greek Restaurant – Also Belmont Shore – $10. lamb chops, chicken souvlaki, salmon kebab, fresh, large portions. Nice to visit, more for the atmosphere than the food. Much better food at Open Sesame across the street, but I don’t think they permit BYO.

[Daniel_Walsh]

@Jim Slatin

we went to Park Avenue with another couple and brought one special bottle. We were told by the hostess that it wasn’t allowed and that she could hold the bottle for us. It was as if they didn’t trust the customer to even keep it in hand. Even after telling them that we were going to order a white and another red we saw on the wine list, they still didn’t let us open the special wine for my friends b-day. I can understand a limit on bottles or laughing at those that bring in grocery store wines, but I think it’s a big mistake to not allow people to bring in a special bottle for a special occasion, especially when we explained we were going to order 2 more bottles from the list. When so many good places allow BYOB in Orange county, it’s a mistake in my opinion. I have already heard from 3 other friends that will not go back for this reason.

We went (six people total) with many bottles. My friend forgot to inquire. They refused to allow us to open any bottles (which were high end). We left and went to 555 Ocean Blvd. in Long Beach for a great dinner at no corkage. Park Ave. lost a $700 bill. They sure are smart?

Paul

555 Ocean Boulevard Steakhouse still going strong. Best meal I had in Long Beach. Zero corkage or attitude.

Cafe Giselle - Belmont Shore, $20. Very small, N. Italian. Been there many times over the years. Menu never changes. Food is consistently good.
Also enjoyed the S. Italian and very good pizza at Buona Gente, across the street on 2nd. But did not ask about byo.

George’s Greek Restaurant – Also Belmont Shore – $10. lamb chops, chicken souvlaki, salmon kebab, fresh, large portions. Nice to visit, more for the atmosphere than the food. Much better food at Open Sesame across the street, but I don’t think they permit BYO.

Going to 555 East Steakhouse for my Birthday later this summer and it’s nice to see a zero corkage policy.

[Art_K_u_o]

any suggestions to a venue I can use to host a small wine gathering for about 15-20 people? I tried contacting wine cellars club where I store my wine but the most they can accommodate is… 6 ppl lol. want to host an event to share some bottles with friends.

[ToddFrench]

what part of OC?

[Art_K_u_o]

preferably north oc. irvine and up? but really just looking for a place in la/oc to host wine tasting